Yellow sand stretched endlessly, with flags fluttering in the wind. The journey was filled with hardships, and the sun, moon, and stars were merely decorations along the way.

The guards escorting them were scattered and showed little respect to the person inside the carriage.

A maid-like girl walked from the back of the convoy, jumped onto the carriage, and handed a bowl of porridge to the person inside. “Your Majesty, the porridge has cooled a bit, but it’s still edible. Right now, we’re far from any village or inn, so please have something to eat.”

The woman in the carriage was still young, but her expression was extremely haggard. Her clothes weren’t particularly elegant, and upon closer inspection, they were styles from several years ago, even appearing ill-fitting due to her thinness. She lifted the carriage curtain and asked, “Where are we now?”

“After traveling a bit further, we’ll reach the main road before nightfall,” Bailu smiled and said. “I’ve asked those people, and we’ll reach the capital of Ming Qi within five days.”

Shuangjiang also smiled. “Once we return to the palace, Your Majesty’s suffering will end, and good fortune will follow.”

“Suffering ends, and good fortune follows.” Shen Miao gave a bitter smile. “But those who have perished cannot return.”

She was speaking of Jingzhe and Guyu. Hearing this, Bailu and Shuangjiang also showed sadness in their eyes and fell silent.

Jingzhe had willingly become a concubine to gain favor with a powerful official during Shen Miao’s first year in Qin State, only to be beaten to death on some pretext by the official’s wife. As for Guyu… Shen Miao clenched her fists tightly. She had died at Huangfu Hao’s hands while trying to protect her.

Five years. A full five years. Those five years in Qin State had worn away every last bit of pride she had. She had gritted her teeth and endured humiliation, all for the day she could return to her homeland and reunite with her twin children. But the heavy price she had paid and the hardships she had endured were unspeakable to outsiders.

How difficult was this journey? Even the escorting guards were few. Looking at this caravan, who could imagine it was the procession of an empress? Those people and horses she had brought to Qin State had either died or scattered during the five years, until almost none remained. Just like this journey back home—if not for Mo Qing’s protection, she certainly would not have survived.

Shen Miao sighed. At least all the suffering hadn’t been in vain. Five years—she had finally endured.

Just as she was thinking about this, it should have been time for the carriage to continue its journey, but not only did they not set off, there was also a commotion coming from the front.

She frowned slightly, lifted the carriage curtain, and asked, “What’s happening?”

Mo Qing walked over from the front and said, “We encountered a strange man who came asking for water.” Before he finished speaking, an old man wearing dusty gray clothes appeared behind him. Looking at Shen Miao, he grinned and said, “Madam, I’m dying of thirst. Please give me some water to drink.”

This old man was dressed oddly, smelled terrible, and stared at people directly, which made people suspicious. It wasn’t that they were unwilling to give him water, but Shen Miao’s identity was special. If they encountered someone with ill intentions, it could cause trouble. Mo Qing ordered someone to hold the old man back, not allowing him to approach Shen Miao. However, Shen Miao smiled and said, “There’s a drought along the way, and heaven hasn’t been kind. A bowl of water can save a life. Give it to him. I… I don’t lack this one bowl of water.”

Since Shen Miao had given the order, Mo Qing complied straightforwardly. He ordered someone to fetch a bowl and fill it with clear water for the old man. The old man gulped it down in one breath, patted his stomach, shook off the guard’s hand, stood up, and made a proper bow to Shen Miao. “Madam is kind-hearted and has saved this poor Taoist’s life. For the kindness of this bowl of water, this poor Taoist must repay you.”

“Poor Taoist?” Shen Miao was startled, then smiled. “Are you a Taoist priest?”

“My religious name is Chi Yan.” The strange old man looked at Shen Miao and shook his head. “Madam’s face shows extreme nobility, but your fortune is shallow and cannot sustain such a noble fate.”

“What nonsense are you talking?” Bailu frowned and said, looking at Shen Miao, “Your Majesty… Madam, he’s probably just some street charlatan. Don’t listen to his nonsense.”

Mo Qing also made a gesture to drive the strange old man away.

“Wait,” Shen Miao said. “The journey is quite boring. Let’s hear what he has to say.”

The old man made another pretentious bow and said, “Madam has a dark aura between her brows, which bodes ill. At the end of this road lies an ominous sign. If you were to turn around now, you could avoid this calamity. Madam, this poor Taoist advises you—this path leads to the underworld. Do not walk it, for once you do, there is no turning back.”

“This is too much!” Shuangjiang’s face turned ashen with anger. “Who are you cursing?”

Shen Miao, however, was good-natured. Having stayed in Qin State for so long, she felt a sense of joy toward anyone from Ming Qi, like meeting someone from her hometown. Even if this old man was talking nonsense, she wasn’t angry. She just smiled and said, “Thank you for the warning, Taoist, but I must walk this path. My children are on this road, and I must return home.”

The strange Taoist sighed deeply and said, “As expected.” He looked at Shen Miao and said, “Though we meet by chance, I gift you a connection.” With that, he pulled a red string from his sleeve and was about to approach Shen Miao, but Mo Qing blocked him. The Taoist had to hand the red string to Mo Qing, who examined it carefully before passing it to Shen Miao.

“This red string is my gift of gratitude to the madam. If madam ties it around her wrist, it can bring about one’s fate.” He solemnly said, “Please remember, madam, the ways of heaven are unpredictable, but human effort matters. This poor Taoist can see fate but cannot change it. The one who can change Madam’s fate is not this poor Taoist. Heaven cherishes life; there are calamities, but also connections. This red string is a question, and one day, madam will find her answer.”

Having said this, he laughed loudly and strode away.

This Taoist was mysterious, and the few predictions he made were extremely inauspicious. Bailu and Shuangjiang were displeased. Bailu said, “Your Majesty, please don’t take that strange man’s words to heart. He’s probably not right in the head.”

“And don’t wear that thing,” Shuangjiang added. “It’s unlucky.”

Shen Miao, however, looked at it from all angles and found the red string quite lovely. She inexplicably couldn’t let go of it, and instead tied it around her wrist, smiling, “We’ve already said it’s a connection. Meeting by chance is also a form of fate, so let me wear it. If it’s fake, it doesn’t matter; if it’s real and has spiritual power, isn’t that even better?”

After such words, Bailu and Shuangjiang couldn’t say anything more. Mo Qing ordered the caravan to set off, and they began moving again.

Far away, the sand and wind almost obscured the figure, and on the road ahead, there was no longer any trace of the strange old man.

…

Returning to Ming Qi was not the “end of suffering, beginning of happiness” that Shuangjiang had described.

The world changes constantly; situations change, and so do people’s hearts.

Being an Empress meant nothing special besides the title. Sometimes, thinking back, she felt that it was no better than the days of humiliation in Qin State. In Qin State, the harm was out in the open, but in Ming Qi, it was in the shadows, like suffering an unspeakable injustice that could only bring mockery.

Shen Miao sat in Kunning Palace, looking at the somewhat wilted Red Sleeve grass on the table, her expression showing weariness.

The Red Sleeve grass was a gift from Mo Qing, who said it was a rare spiritual herb. It did look quite beautiful, like a woman’s sleeve swaying in the wind, hence the name Red Sleeve grass. However, for some reason, it had been wilting lately, and Shen Miao had no heart to tend to it.

She had been back in Ming Qi for several years, and during these years, her life had been far from good.

The Imperial Palace now had a Madam Mei, who was charming, intelligent, captivating, and gentle. She was like a puzzle, attracting people’s gaze that lingered on her.

At first, there had been heartbreak watching a man she once admired look at another woman with such adoration. She had thought he was equally indifferent to everyone, only to discover that wasn’t the case—it was just that she wasn’t the one.

After experiencing heartbreak too many times, she gradually became numb. The pain and lethargy slowly transformed into hatred and resentment, all because of Fu Sheng.

Fu Sheng always took away too much of Fu Xiuyi’s affection, while her child, Fu Ming, despite sitting in the position of Crown Prince, despite being virtuous, talented, and diligent, ended up seeming like a neglected prince. Fu Xiuyi could teach Fu Sheng to write and discuss politics hands-on, yet he was stingy with even a caring glance for Fu Ming.

When asked, he would say that Fu Ming was the Crown Prince and needed to be mature and steady, not clinging to his father every day.

But every time she saw the disappointment in Fu Ming’s eyes, Shen Miao felt as if a knife was twisting in her heart.

The Shen family wasn’t doing well either. Luo Xueyan’s illness was getting worse, and Jing Chuchu was carrying on ambiguously with Shen Qiu. The Shen family’s reputation was declining, and even Shen Xin had aged considerably.

Fu Xiuyi seemed to be suppressing the Shen family. Shen Miao vaguely sensed this, but how could she know about court affairs from the inner palace? Her only access to such information was through Pei Lang, but Pei Lang was loyal to Fu Xiuyi. Although Pei Lang had a good relationship with her, his loyalty to Fu Xiuyi always came first.

Shen Miao’s infatuation with Fu Xiuyi had long since frozen over as she coldly watched his intimacy with Madam Mei over the years. However, given her position, she had to secure her place as Empress and strive for opportunities for Fu Ming and Princess Wanyu.

Recently, news came from the Xiongnu that Madam Mei seemed to be instigating Fu Xiuyi to send Princess Wanyu there in a political marriage.

This was what Shen Miao could not tolerate.

However, Madam Mei’s tactics were becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fu Xiuyi’s doting on Fu Sheng was obvious to all, and the Shen family was declining day by day. There were too many people siding with Madam Mei. When someone falls into a well, everyone wants to step on them. Moreover, Madam Mei’s brother, Li Ke, had recently accomplished several major tasks for Fu Xiuyi, elevating Madam Mei’s status in the inner palace even further.

Shen Miao knew what the court officials were thinking: when would the Crown Prince be replaced, and when would the Empress be deposed?

But Fu Xiuyi still had his dignity. She was his first wife, and it wasn’t so simple for Madam Mei to supersede her.

Through all the scheming and maneuvering, her heart had become weary. If not for her two children, she sometimes felt that it would be better to burn the entire palace to the ground and be done with it.

Bailu entered and said, “Your Majesty, the clothes for the palace banquet are ready. We should start doing your hair early.”

Shen Miao acknowledged this.

Shuangjiang had died a year ago. Madam Mei was skilled; she didn’t even spare the maid at Shen Miao’s side. In the end, only Bailu remained.

Tonight was Ming Qi’s palace banquet. With the new year approaching, Fu Xiuyi planned to entertain his officials, but more importantly, to send off the young lord of Lin’an Marquis Estate, Xie Jinghang. Lin’an Marquis Xie Ding had died on the northern battlefield, and now his son was about to set out again. The timing wasn’t good, giving the expedition a sense of tragedy, but Xie Jinghang had still accepted the command.

Shen Miao had little interaction with Xie Jinghang, only knowing him through the subtle relationship between the Shen and Xie families. Since Xie Ding’s time, the Lin’an Marquis Estate had only had Xie Jinghang to uphold its honor. This was quite lamentable. Once, there had been “Xie in the South, Shen in the North,” but now the Shen family was declining day by day, and the Xie family was gradually falling too, truly a cause for mixed feelings.

But Xie Jinghang had his path to follow, and wasn’t Shen Miao’s path equally difficult?

She said, “Let’s do my hair.”

Music could stir one’s heart, and this palace banquet was exceptionally lively.

Fu Xiuyi hadn’t been this cheerful for a long time. His usually cold expression had softened considerably, and his smile was particularly joyful. Shen Miao watched coldly as Fu Sheng went to toast him, the father and son enjoying each other’s company, while her heart felt a chill.

Fu Ming sat upright to one side, and Princess Wanyu also sat properly. Those officials always praised the Crown Prince and Princess for being so sensible at such a young age, having the demeanor of little adults. This dignified temperament wasn’t something everyone could cultivate. Though these were just pleasantries, they weren’t far from the truth. But who would choose to be sensible if they could freely act coquettish? Being sensible was only forced upon them.

Princess Wanyu and Fu Ming had also tried to get close to Fu Xiuyi before, but children’s thoughts are the most direct and pure. They could feel Fu Xiuyi’s indifference, and gradually they also adopted a polite manner.

Shen Miao sat beside Fu Xiuyi, watching him exchange glances with Madam Mei from time to time. Madam Mei was smiling gracefully, truly affectionate, and Fu Xiuyi had a slight smile too.

Shen Miao thought that the two of them must truly be happy.

But where was the protagonist of this palace banquet?

Shen Miao involuntarily looked toward the man on the left side of the feast.

That young man had extremely handsome features, with a lazy, spirited demeanor. He sat at an angle, wearing a dark purple robe that was somewhat loose but still couldn’t hide his vigor. He smiled at the corners of his mouth, slowly drinking wine, as if the entire noisy feast had nothing to do with him, at odds with the festivity.

Shen Miao laughed inwardly, feeling that this young lord of the Lin’an Marquis Estate had some similarities with herself. The whole banquet was lively and joyful, but their hearts were not truly happy. Xie Jinghang was going on a path where life and death were uncertain, and her own life’s end was still unknown.

Enemies at all sides, surrounded by hostility, both hanging by a thread in a crucial moment.

She, too, took a wine cup, poured herself a drink, and sipped it slowly, albeit with great restraint.

As an Empress, she had to maintain dignity and grace, not like a favored concubine who could drink charmingly, with captivating allure.

As the banquet ended and people dispersed, she remained seated and heard Madam Mei say, “Your Majesty, I’ve prepared good wine tonight. Would Your Majesty like to watch fireworks with me? Sheng’er also said he wants to challenge Your Majesty in chess.”

Fu Xiuyi laughed heartily, touching Madam Mei’s nose and said, “This competitive nature of yours is the same as his.”

Shen Miao swallowed her words: “Throughout the year, Princess Wanyu and the Crown Prince also wish to spend time with Your Majesty.”

Looking back, the dimness in her two children’s eyes caused her heart to ache.

But she endured the pain, keeping her face serene.

However, on this New Year’s Eve, sleep eluded her.

She had put her two children to bed, feeling that neither was particularly enthusiastic about the New Year’s arrival. The sound of fireworks came from the palace walls. Even late at night, Madam Mei’s palace was the best place to watch fireworks. The three of them must be having a good time.

Shen Miao put on her clothes and ordered Bailu to bring a jug of wine and a bowl, as she headed to the garden.

From one corner of the garden, the fireworks were partially visible. Though only half visible, they were still brilliant, almost illuminating the entire sky. One could imagine how magnificent the full view must be from the other side.

She took out a bowl. Bailu looked somewhat distressed, but Shen Miao waved her hand, stopping her from speaking.

“These fireworks are so beautiful,” Shen Miao’s voice was low, with a hint of drunkenness. “When will I be able to see a complete display?”

She suddenly smiled again. “Probably never.”

Just as she spoke, footsteps came from behind. Boots treading on accumulated snow made soft, rustling sounds.

Bailu was startled and said, “You…”

Shen Miao turned around to see someone pushing through the dense shadows of trees, coming forward.

Behind was a person dressed as a guard, and in front stood a tall figure in purple robes and blue boots. His almond-shaped eyes reflected the fireworks in the night sky, exceptionally bright and captivating, with a very beautiful appearance.

“Lin’an Marquis… Lord Xie?” Shen Miao squinted at him.

The man also seemed somewhat surprised, clicking his tongue, and said, “Fu Xiuyi’s Empress turns out to be a drunkard.”

The guard behind him said, “Master, we should leave.”

Bailu was also nervous, not knowing why Xie Jinghang was still in the palace. But an Empress and an official standing together, if seen by others, could cause a major incident. Especially these days, when Shen Miao was already struggling in the palace, once caught with any pretext, dirty water would be splashed on her without hesitation. At this moment, it was best to stay as far away from the young master of the Lin’an Marquis Estate as possible.

Bailu didn’t dare alarm others. The garden was very secluded, so she softly said, “Young Master, Her Majesty the Empress is somewhat drunk. This slave was just about to help her back. Please pretend you didn’t see anything.”

Xie Jinghang glanced at Shen Miao, let out a laugh as if uninterested, and turned to leave.

“Wait,” Shen Miao called to him.

Bailu was startled, anxious enough to want to cover Shen Miao’s mouth. But Shen Miao stared at Xie Jinghang. She was a bit drunk now. Since going to Qin State, she had never indulged in drinking. However, the saying that “a cup of wine solves a thousand worries” wasn’t false. When people get drunk, they become relaxed, and when relaxed, they do many things they wouldn’t do normally.

She said, “I heard you’re going to the northern border?”

Xie Jinghang folded his arms, half-smiling and said, “Does Her Majesty have any instructions?”

Tie Yi and Bailu both stared at Shen Miao. Shen Miao smiled, taking the bowl she had just drunk from and filling it to the brim with wine from the jug. She gestured for Xie Jinghang to look and said, “Young talent, historical figure, exceptional skill, unparalleled in the world.”

Xie Jinghang raised an eyebrow. Bailu was so embarrassed that she wanted to drag Shen Miao away. How could anyone praise someone so effusively to their face?

“The northern border is a very bad place.” Shen Miao patted his shoulder. Being petite, she had to stand on tiptoe to reach his shoulder. Looking at Xie Jinghang, half serious and half drunk, she said, “I heard my father say that nothing grows there, the terrain is treacherous, there are many poisonous snakes and insects, and it’s easy to fall into traps. Your journey will be fraught with danger.”

“This humble official thanks Your Majesty for your concern,” Xie Jinghang casually replied.

“A thousand years of history shame those without a name, a loyal heart serves the emperor,” she mumbled, raising the wine bowl to Xie Jinghang, and downed it in one gulp.

Both Bailu and Tie Yi were startled, the former surprised that Shen Miao would drink so readily, the latter astonished that the Empress could be so bold.

Shen Miao wiped her mouth, hiccupped, and said, “This is a bowl of wine I offer to you. You must return victorious.”

Xie Jinghang stared at her. She still had unwiped wine at the corner of her lips, glistening. In the moonlight, her features revealed a delicacy not apparent in daylight. Without the constraints of her role as Empress, she was a very beautiful and elegant woman.

He curled his lips, his smile showing a hint of mischief, and said leisurely, “It seems His Majesty has quite neglected Your Majesty.”

Bailu widened her eyes. Xie Jinghang’s words were far too presumptuous, but she didn’t dare drag Shen Miao away directly, fearing that if Shen Miao made any noise, it would alert others, and then there would truly be no explanation.

After finishing her drink, Shen Miao swayed as she picked up the wine jug again, filled another bowl to the brim, and handed it to Xie Jinghang, saying, “You drink too.”

“Why should I drink?” Xie Jinghang asked, puzzled.

“You… share the same affliction as me,” Shen Miao said.

“Who shares your affliction?” Xie Jinghang laughed. But Shen Miao was already holding the wine bowl to his lips.

Bailu was horrified. This was too intimate! Tie Yi was also extremely shocked. But Xie Jinghang didn’t speak; he wouldn’t raise his hand.

Xie Jinghang was unexpectedly given a bowl of wine. When he pushed Shen Miao away, much of the wine spilled on his clothes. Looking at Shen Miao, he finally smiled with satisfaction. She said, “We now have the sentiment of a bowl of wine. When you return victorious, come watch the fireworks with me.”

Xie Jinghang felt that today was truly bizarre. When women get drunk, they lose all rationality; even the usually dignified and graceful Empress was like a completely different person.

“Your Majesty should watch with the Emperor,” he said, adjusting his clothes.

Shen Miao dimmed. “I have never watched fireworks with him.”

Xie Jinghang stared at the woman before him. She lowered her head slightly, the corners of her mouth upturned, but her eyes were bitter. He inexplicably softened and said, “Alright, alright, this humble official promises you.”

Shen Miao’s eyes brightened, looking at him, and said, “Then it’s settled.”

Xie Jinghang nodded.

Shen Miao thought for a moment, shook her head, and said, “Words are not binding. We need a token to seal our promise.” She started feeling for the hairpins and rings in her hair.

Bailu was stunned, thinking to herself that if any of the Empress’s belongings were found on Xie Jinghang, it would be evidence of an illicit relationship. Fearing that Shen Miao might give him a handkerchief or hairpin, she suddenly noticed the red string on Shen Miao’s wrist and had a flash of inspiration. “Your Majesty, your red string would be perfect.”

Shen Miao’s gaze fell upon the red string. She had a sudden thought and quickly untied it, took Xie Jinghang’s hand, and carefully tied it on for him.

Xie Jinghang’s gaze settled on her slightly curled eyelashes, wet as if mixed with winter’s chill, inexplicably making one’s heart itch slightly.

Shen Miao tied it for him, smiled at him, and said, “This is my token for you. Take this as a sign, until your triumphant return.”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s gift,” Xie Jinghang said casually with a smile. “But this humble official has no token to give to Your Majesty. How about offering Your Majesty a wish?”

“A wish?” Shen Miao looked at him.

“When we meet again after my return, this humble official can grant Your Majesty a wish. Whatever wish Your Majesty desires, if this humble official can fulfill it, he will do his utmost.”

Shen Miao said, “It’s a deal.”

“It’s a deal.”

With a “boom,” a corner of the sky was again lit up by brilliant fireworks. They both looked up, seeming to share a moment of understanding, extraordinarily harmonious.

Bailu was also stunned.

Fireworks are fleeting, but some things do not fade away, like this night.

When Shen Miao woke up again, she felt a splitting headache. While rubbing her forehead, she stood up and walked to the table, saying, “I slept for such a long time.”

Bailu brought her hot soup and said, “Your Majesty drank too much yesterday. Please sober up first.”

“Drank too much?” Shen Miao paused. “I didn’t drink much at the banquet.”

Bailu felt somewhat guilty and said, “Perhaps the wine at the banquet was particularly strong.”

Shen Miao nodded and sighed, “This habit of mine, forgetting everything when I get drunk, hasn’t changed over the years, though it has been a long time since I last got drunk.”

Bailu nodded. Then Shen Miao looked at her empty wrist and asked, “How did this red string disappear?”

Bailu said softly, “Perhaps… it was lost.”

Shen Miao sighed, “It truly wasn’t meant to last.”

The sun was at its highest, and the departing troops were at the city gate.

Leading them was a young man on horseback, impressive in military attire. Though he had a lazy smile, his eyes were cold and penetrating, making people unable to look directly at him.

“Master, everything is ready,” Tie Yi said.

Xie Jinghang glanced behind him. Once they passed through this city gate, their future paths would diverge completely from the past, with no more entanglements.

They would eventually leave.

“There’s nothing worth lingering for here,” said a white-robed man beside him, fanning himself. “It has nothing to do with you anymore.”

“Perhaps they all hope Third Brother never returns,” said a young man in pine-green robes with a laugh, then looking forward. “Whatever the case, we’re finally going home.”

“Not necessarily.”

Both men looked at the purple-robed figure.

Xie Jinghang lowered his head. His gaze fell on his wrist, where a red string was tied. The end of the string was meticulously knotted, seemingly so secure that it would never come loose.

“Isn’t this something women wear?” Ji Yushu asked. “Why are you wearing it?”

“I drank someone’s farewell wine and owe them a wish,” Xie Jinghang said. “I’ll repay it when I return.”

He turned his gaze away, raised his whip, and said, “Forward.”

They set off.